Tour Inclusions
- Bay of Islands - Waitangi Treaty Reserve
- Bay of Islands - Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
- Christchurch - the garden city via the Christchurch Tram
- Dinner at Allan Scott Wines
- Dunedin - Larnach Castle NZ's only castle
- Franz Josef Glacier - the magnificent glacier
- Haast Pass
- Huka Falls - the mighty waterfall
- Lake Tekapo - Church of the Good Shepherd
- Montana Winery - Sample wine and enjoy dinner
- Mt Cook - NZ/s tallest mountain
- Milford Sound - cruise
- Milford Sound - Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls
- Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
- Queenstown - Free day in New Zealand's adventure capital
- Queenstown - T.S.S. Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station
- Rotorua - Hangi Feast and Concert
- Rotorua - Lakeland Queen cruise on historic boat with sparkling wine
- Rotorua - Te Puia geothermal wonderland with a local Maori guide
- Rotorua - Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
- Scenic Interislander Cruise
- TranzAlpine Train - Discover the beauty of the Southern Alps
- Wellington - Te Papa (New Zealand’s National Museum)
Meals
- 17 Full Buffet Breakfasts (B)
- 3 Exciting Highlight Dinner (HD)
- 9 Hotel Dinners (D)
- 1 'You are invited' Lunch (L) (2011 Departures Only)
- Welcome Drink
Escorted Coach Tour Standard Inclusions
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
- Experienced, professional Tour Director
- Luxury coach Driver
- Twin share accommodation with private facilities in quality hotels
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Airport transfers to/from hotel
- Hotel Porterage
- Travel wallet and map
| 1 | Arrive Auckland Meet and transfer from the airport to your hotel. On arrival the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps you would like to visit Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons or the Sky Tower? This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. |
 ACCOMMODATION: Stamford Plaza |
| 2 (B) (D) |
Auckland – Bay of Islands We cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then settle back and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the magnificent Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand then it’s off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which has great historical importance as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house. |
ACCOMMODATION: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (2 nights) |
| 3 (B) |
Bay of Islands 'Free Time' Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure – why not dine at a local restaurant? |
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| 4 (B) (D) |
Bay of Islands - Auckland This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland, the City of Sails. |
ACCOMMODATION: Stamford Plaza |
| 5 (B) (HD) |
Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua After an Auckland City Sights Tour, we trace New Zealand’s longest river – the Waikato – to the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto on an underground boat trip. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy a special cultural evening featuring a Maori concert and Hangi feast. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri, before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture and entertainment and a delicious Hangi feast. |
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel (2 nights) |
| 6 (B) |
Rotorua Sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the historic Lakeland Queen starts our day followed by an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour. |
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| 7 (B) (D) |
Rotorua - Wellington From the mountains to the sea. View the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of its lake. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, Manawatu & the Kapiti Coast. On arrival in Wellington we have a city sights tour, and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt. Victoria. |
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel Capital |
| 8 (B) (HD) |
Wellington - Blenheim A morning to explore Wellington your way. Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to discover it yourself. Later, join the Interislander Cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. On to Picton then Blenheim for a city tour. Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasting, tour and dinner at Allan Scott Wines. A family owned and run winery which has developed its own reputation as a Marlborough icon. |
 ACCOMMODATION: Chateau Marlborough |
| 9 (B) |
Kaikoura - Christchurch On the way to Kaikoura we pass the Grassmere Salt Works and see New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point. Visit Kaikoura where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then we head to Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains. A city orientation tour ensures you maximize your ‘Free Time’. |
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel Christchurch |
| 10 (B) (D) |
Mt Cook Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Then you’re free to go shopping or relax. Visit Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm to discover an authentic taste of New Zealand Country life. You are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on their 300 hectare garden and gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Continuing our travels we see Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the spectacular alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you have the chance to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting). |
 ACCOMMODATION: MacKenzie Country Inn - Deluxe Rooms |
| 11 (B) (D) |
Dunedin On our way to Dunedin we see the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, Benmore Dam and the famous white limestone buildings of Oamaru. At Dunedin we tour the city, then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. |
 ACCOMMODATION: Southern Cross Hotel |
| 12 (B) (D) |
Dunedin – Te Anau This morning enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle - Larnach Castle and its gardens. Then we head to Te Anau across fertile farming land to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Tonight, if you choose to, you can see the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. |
 ACCOMMODATION: Distinction Hotel |
| 13 (B) |
Milford Sound Today is a feast for the senses. Be wowed and awestruck by the beauty of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Keep your camera close by as we see Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, The Chasm, the hand-made Homer Tunnel, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and stunningly photogenic Milford Sound. The Devils Stair Case and Lake Wakatipu pass us by. We arrive at Queenstown for an orientation tour and group photo. The dinner option (own expense) tonight is the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak – sensational views over Queenstown and a bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show, plus you’ll ride the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere just to get there! |
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel (2 nights) |
| 14 (B) (HD) |
Queenstown Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. You could take an exhilarating jet boat ride or go white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine and garden tours. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, some friendly Kiwi hospitality and a sumptuous carvery dinner. |
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| 15 (B) (D) |
Queenstown – Franz Josef Colourful Arrowtown is our first stop today to discover the rich gold mining history and browse through the delightful shops. See the Kawarau Gorge before stopping in Cromwell for the opportunity to taste fresh stone fruit. Later pass Lake Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man made lake before views Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass to the West Coast. View the mighty Thunder Creek falls and take a short bush walk. Enjoy the scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier - the world’s most accessible glacier. |
ACCOMMODATION: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel or Te Waonui Forest Retreat |
| 16 (B) (D) |
Franz Josef – Punakaiki Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then we depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. It’s on to Punakaiki where we’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We overnight at our exclusive eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. |
 ACCOMMODATION: Punakaiki Resort |
| 17 (B) (D) |
TranzAlpine - Christchurch Enjoy time at leisure before travelling via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass where we climb aboard the TranzAlpine – one of the top 6 train journeys in the world – and travel through the picturesque Southern Alps to Christchurch. From our carriage we enjoy views of lush beech rainforest before descending over spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. We travel through sixteen tunnels and five viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing 73 metres. |
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel Christchurch |
| 18 (B) |
Depart Christchurch You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. |
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| This tour in reverse is New Zealand Encounter - ZSBN. |
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
To book this tour:
- Click on the DATE - a tick will appear in the checkbox.
- Click on the PRE or POST accommodation you require.
- Change the "NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS" to 2, or If you are a single traveller, "Single Supplement" checkbox.
- Click [Add to Cart].
- Airfares are not included in the prices, unless where stated.
- You receive a smart travel wallet, luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. Plus, while on tour, you will receive a map of New Zealand as a memento of your special escorted coach holiday.
- Twin-share accommodation is the basis of the price.
- TRAVELLING ALONE? If you are willing to share a room with a person of the same gender then you can save paying a single room supplement. We will ensure you share a room with a person of the same gender, if you tell us at booking time. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note: No smoking policy in all shared rooms.
- A single supplement must be added for travellers wanting a room alone.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, and all details will be confirmed at time of booking.
- Dates are subject to availability at time of booking. You will receive confirmation within 24 hours from booking.
- Prices indicate brochure rates and dates, less discounts, however are still subject to final confirmation.
- Please refer to any additional General Information, eg Refund Policy, etc.
- If in doubt for any reason, please use the "Contact Us" form for this tour.
